50a rv but only 30a feed?

[Bob55]

We have the same issue, a new trailer with a fireplace that has 50A power cable but our campground only has a 30A pedestal. What I did was to hook the trailer up initially with nothing turned on, and then power things up individually and note the amperage draw on the surge suppressor. My notebook with specifics is at the trailer, but our fridge runs on electric, we use the microwave as required for cooking dinner, popcorn for movies, etc., with no problems. We use the fireplace as a heater as needed, and run the entertainment pieces as well. So far we have had no issues, but we do try to minimize running multiple appliances/electrical draws at once.

Added note: We have a 30A surge suppressor connected to the pedestal, and a 30A-50A conversion between it and our trailer cable. We had the 30A surge suppressor left from our old RV.

[OLYLEN]

When in a 30 amp unit I use a 2 rule( 2 major items). Two of the, A/C, refer, micro, wife's hair dryer, electric heater/ fireplace, water heater. Worst case you will pop the pedestal breaker. Now this will happen when you are ready for bed with no sleepwear on, on a cold rainy night with plenty of wind an a neighbor sitting under his awning smoking his pipe before bed.

LEN

[jpharley]

Progressive Industries has a good EMS and it checks for open grounds, high/low voltage, etc. If I had a 50 amp rig, I would get a 50 amp EMS and install it. You can always use a step down when 30 amp is the only thing available. Why limit yourself if 50 amps are available to you. Some campgrounds will charge you for a 50 amp site if you have a 50 amp rig but want to only use 30 amp to save money.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by jpharley

You can run anything you want in your RV with a 50 amp hook up.

Maybe with most but not ours! Too much draw even on a full 50 amp 240 volt setup.

[donnandon]

Originally Posted by Falcon190

Another thing to consider when using 30amps is the CG pedestal. I was (according to my EMS) drawing less than 26amps total running only one AC unit but the circuit breaker on the 30amp CG pedestal kept blowing. On hot days when all the RVs are using their ACs you might not have 30amps available. Very frustrating. When plugged into 50amps we've never had that problem.

Oh, the 50amp PI surge protector still functioned properly when plugged into 30amps.

This is because the 30A breaker has been tripped many times before by those trying to run too many electrical items at once. Over time the current capacity of the breaker deteriorates causing it to trip at lower and lower loads, and yes a hot day will make it even worse. This rarely happens with the 50A circuit since it is pretty tough to overload the 50A breaker.

[Podivin]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Maybe with most but not ours! Too much draw even on a full 50 amp 240 volt setup.

240 volt, good point, I hadn't thought of that.

[RV Vagabond]

If I go over my amps while cooking, the A/C shuts down then automatically comes back on when enough amps are available. It has a smart priority system for what to shut down when amps are limited, but does not trip breakers.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

If I go over my amps while cooking, the A/C shuts down then automatically comes back on when enough amps are available. It has a smart priority system for what to shut down when amps are limited, but does not trip breakers.

RV Vagabond


Later model, (modern), coaches have a "smart priority system devise" which automatically manages your energy usage for you.

Unfortunately many of us have to manage our energy use ourselves.

Mel
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